Panderia Delicioso.

My teen years were spent in El Cajon, CA.     Although not exactly a border town, it was close enough that we would pile into Cherie's car and head into Tijuana, Mexico.  That would have been the mid 1970's, where one could buy a margarita for a quarter, then stumble back to the street and buy a taco for another quarter.   I don't recall who placed the edict, but it was a requirement - we had to be back on our side of the border before dark.   

So, became our routine, we would eat, drink and shop - wandering up and down the couple main tourist streets of Tijuana.   And, then, right before it was time to go, we'd head a couple blocks into locals territory where there was a Panaderia (Bakery).   There we'd load up our trays with mexican sweets for a dime apiece, to eat in the car while waiting in line to get back across the border (this could take a couple hours).   

A couple times, over the years, in our travels, we'd come across a Panaderia (usually in California or Mexico) and it was always a ... TURN AROUND AND GO BACK, type moment.  

Well, imagine my delight, when I discover, right up the road - not even 3 miles away  - Panaderia Las Delicias tucked away in a small strip mall. 

 Quick --- Turn Around --- Go Back!

This business is more than a bakery, it is also a small hispanic grocery and lunch counter.   I've not yet made it to their menu; it's their pastry that has me hooked. 

Mexican sweets are a bit different than our U.S. based goods.   They are lighter on the sugar and heavier on the flours, giving them a taste and texture all of their own.   You know, if it isn't a sweet as a regular cookie, perhaps one should/could have two.    Or, if it isn't as sweet, perhaps I can have two.

Here you go in, point out what you want and they box it up.   Make sure you check your box before you leave, however.   Not everyone behind the counter speaks English and you don't want to be missing anything in your box when you get home.  

I knew moving to Baton Rouge was a good idea !   

Lorrie,  

Alex on Facebook

This is our son, Alex.  

  He can be quite charming and personable just as easy as he can be quiet and sullen.  As I'm sure it is with my parents, we get the quiet and sullen part, where the charming and personable is reserved for the rest of the world.    Sometimes someone will mention something he's done that is so respectful, or nice, or just the right thing to do, and although we raised him to be all of those things, it still takes us by surprise.   Our son?  He did (said) what?   Really.  Well how nice is that.

A couple weeks back I learned that Alex set himself on Facebook.   So I asked him if I sent him a request, could I be his friend.   And he said No.  NO!  He briefly explained that, as a mother, I might not like who he is or what he thinks and it's best to leave it alone.

I find myself thinking about this frequently.   At a recent party I mentioned it to a friend, who indicated that her children had 'friended' her.   But, she felt bad about it.   She thought that after she had access to their pages that they quit communicating through Facebook with their friends.   Perhaps, something along the lines, of no longer being able to openly communicate with friends because Mom was listening.   She is thinking of de-friending them so they can have their voice back.

So, I find myself thinking ....

Who are you son?  

Jewel Orchid Plant

Beau has had this Jewel Orchid for so long, he doesn't remember where it came from.   That means it is BL (Before Lorrie) and places it greater than 23 years.  

       Unlike ours, the Jewel Orchid is a lovely plant that becomes exquisite when it blooms.  

Like this one  (picture from epotme.com).   Our plant does bloom, but definitely not like this.

Se've been keeping it housed in a basket, which invariable ends up wrapped with tin foil as it gets messy.   Every few years, we have to repot it as the basket deteriorates.   

The bathroom in our new house has wonderful light, so this year I thought I'd go all out and buy a nice orchid pot for the plant and give it a one-up on the other plants -- a priority spot by the tub.     I found (what I thought) a perfect little pot at Lowes and a bag of moss.   

And then, on a whim, I went out and read the directions on how a Jewel Orchid is supposed to be repotted. We, of course, have been doing it all wrong and this sweet little plant has been surviving just to spite us.   I took our plant apart, as directed, and found that the pot that I'd purchased was at least 80% to small.   Oh well.    Following the guidelines, I put a small portion of the plant into the new pot and parked it next to the (also ancient) ming in the bathroom.

And then I put a bunch more of the rhimesones into a hanging plant container my SIL brought as a housewarming present and parked it out in Beau's new rock garden.

And, there was still some left.   I called Beau in for a consultation.  It's was the ultimate decision, whether to pot some more, or whether to just toss it out.

 Now, when we moved to this house we gave away at least 25 plants due to perceived lack of space (and my lack of help taking care of them).    So, whether or not to create more plants is a big one.

Guess you figured out the outcome .... one more plant that I parked on the back deck.   If it develops nicely, we'll gift it to one of the SIL's.  

We'll give these guys a few months in their new home and see how they do.  I'll report back in early March .... that's when they should be in full bloom.  

Lorrie 

Spinning Artist Toy

It's Yard Sale Saturday, you know.  I wasn't planning on going, but Beau offered to drive if I'd go to the grocery with him.   Great deal, since getting into the passenger side of the car is currently easier than the drivers side.    This was just my third Yard Sale adventure here in Baton Rouge.

We established a perimeter and headed out.  And, there was not much going on.  (I suppose with 96,000 people headed to Tiger Stadium this afternoon, who has time to put on a yard sale).   But, right before I gave up, there was a sign ...  "Beau -- Turn Here!"   

 Yard sales really are not Beau's thing.   But he'd brought his book and waited very patiently (I assume) in the car while I searched for potential treasures.

And, what did I find?  Well  ...

• 8 tassels of varying lengths
• 5 belts, which just might become future bag handles
• a couple fat quarters of fabric
• a assortment of acrylic and spray paints
• a Li'l Mate Spinning Artists

The Spinning Artist TOY was quite a surprise.   As you might recall, one of my ongoing projects was working through the June/July 2012 issue of Quilting Arts.  So far, I'd only stabbed at a fiber bowl, and the next project calls for a paint spinner.    What are the odds of that.

As soon as Beau was out the door for the game, I headed to my studio to play.   This is a small spinner, the design width being only 3 3/4 inches.   There were no directions, but it didn't take much to figure out.

The actual article in the Quilting Arts Mag is work on fabric, but figured I'd best get to know the toy on paper.

Made a good dozens attempts and, although I'm getting the idea, there is nothing to write home about.   On paper, the paints are to thick.   When I watered them down, way to thin.  

Particularly on fabric - here the colors just bled together.   So, I decided that I'd do the novel and read the information in the magazine article, browse a little for some online tips and give it another try tomorrow.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks for dropping by,
Lorrie 

Saga of the New Eyeglasses

This story actually started three weeks ago.   I'm calling it the Saga of the Eyeglasses.   It goes like this .... two weeks ago I scooted out of bed, reaching for my eyeglasses on the night stand.  Upon reaching the prone mark, I went to put on my glasses, when .... to my dismay .... they broke in half at the nose piece.   Half were in my hand; the other half still on the night table.   Woe was me.

Beau suggested I immediately proceed to EyeMasters to get new glasses.  But no, being the occasional frugal person I am (Beau would say stubborn procrastinator), I wanted to find out if the nose piece could be fixed first (particularly since they were hardly more than a year old).   I put on an older pair, from some past prescription, put the broken glasses in my purse and proceeded not to think about it again.  

Two weeks go by, and I start having an unusual situation ... my eyes don't want to stay open; particularly in bright light.   I'm thinking "Great ... I really am falling apart".  After fretting about it for several days, and becoming almost unable to drive, I took Beau's suggestion and went to Eyemasters.  

Here, I learned that I have eye strain issues, extreme enough that they are sending signals to the brain to close them.  A new subscription is immediate called for.   (And no, they cannot fix my old glasses; not that the prescription is the same).  

I'm in luck (so to say), they are having a buy one, get one free sale.   And it's not until $765 later that I learn it will take 7 - 14 days to get my new glasses.    It seems the problem is all those add-ons that come with the aging process.  You know, bi-focals, high definition, anti-glare, etc. etc. etc.

 Perhaps I should have listed to Beau.    I'd already be wearing my new glasses.  Woe is me. 

But, trying to be optomistic, I headed back home and switched to some remaining contacts I still had which were, of course, also from an old prescription.   That, needless to say, didn't work well either.    Wear the older glasses or the contacts and go around trying to keep the eyes open, or wear nothing and not be able to focus anything.  Hard decision.  

Then, this morning, inspiration struck and we headed to Walgreens to buy a pair of those reading glasses to wear for the next two weeks.  I choose these.  

But, as my luck goes, the highest strength is +325 and I need a +450.  I'll be returning them tomorrow. 

Now, I'm getting desperate.   I head up the street to a Jeweler (who Eyemaster indicated should be able to solder the broken glasses together) - Vicky Anton's.    Approaching the store, a woman, apparently Vicky Anton, sitting on a bench, talking loudly on the phone and smoking a most obnoxious cigarette, see's the glasses in my hands and wants to know if I want them fix.   "Yes, I need them soldered; it doesn't have to be pretty, just hold.  And, get a chain (of Beau's) fixed as well".   She is quick and to the point.   Her person does not fix glasses anymore.   There is a shop somewhere in a strip mall off Florida Blvd that should be able to .... and since I'm going there, I might was well take the bracelet there as well.       How's that for customer service.   Next time I consider jewelry, it won't be in her store!

If anyone is still reading ... I'll be wrapping up soon.   

I'm heading home, when inspiration hits.    I know how to solder and have all the equipment, why don't I just do it myself.   

Beau pulls out my solder equipment box and I get all set up.  

Nope.   It didn't work.  Seems the nose band was not as much metal as I would have thought, and it is now partially melted.   I suppose they are now relegated to the role of some future mixed media art project.  

Beau suggests I should go to Eyemasters with the current glasses (that are giving me all the trouble), and have them switch the lenses to the current prescription, with no add ons, so I could get them in a day.   What a decision to have to make ... spend another $150+ dollars on glasses I won't need, or sit around here for the next 7 - 14 days trying to keep my eyes open.   

I haven't decided yet.  

Saga of the Eyeglasses .... To Be Continued 

Izzo's, After Hurricane Isaac

After staying inside for two days waiting out Hurricane / Tropical Storm Isaac, getting out of the house seemed like a 'Must Do'.   At least for me.  Lunch sounded like a great idea, and after a quick phone call, it was confirmed - IZZO's was Open.    Now, IZZO's is an Illegal Burrito location.  Why Illegal? Well, because they are so damn good.    We arrived there with minimal issues; only a couple traffic signals out with different areas still without electricity.

 

 

I'm calling this picture, LUNCH WITH FRIENDS.   Here we have three young ladies, apparently out for lunch ... unless they are just hanging out at IZZO's.  Anyway, if you look closely, all three are on their phones.   One texting, two talking.   This picture makes me nostalgic for those times friends went out to lunch and talked to each other, versus talking to others somewhere else.    Now, back to my regularly scheduled dialog.

 IZZO's refer to themselves as a 'Roll Your Own' burrito place.  Actually, you pick the size and ingredients, and they roll it for you.  The display on the wall shows you the three sizes available.   Now, I don't know the young man here.   I asked if I could take a picture (meaning the display, of course), and he removed his glasses and turned so I had his profile, versus the back of his head.   I don't know the name of this hairstyle, but do think it is adorable.  

 After you choose your burrito size and if you want it to be beef, chicken, pork or vegetarian, you move down the line and choose your other ingredients.  Decisions are hard ... even with the huge shell, there is only some much room in a wrapper.

And then, you get it back to your table and start evaluating what technique is best used to eat your monster creation.   Meet some of our family members -- Will, Debbie and William who evacuated Destrahan to wait out Hurricane Isaac.  

That is my Quesedilla on the end of the table ... I branched out and tried something new.  

Although this is their first visit, I think they've got it mastered. 

The folks at the next table were eating the 'Burrito in a Bowl'.  Doesn't it look fabulous?   I just started the Atkins Diet today and when this might again be on my diet, we are heading back.

I recommend IZZO's .... Any location.

Lorrie

Here Today Gone Tomorrow Thrift Store

Notice my special smile here.   This is my 'I found a new Thrift Store and have treasures to show for it' smile.  The same smile, can double for yard or garage sales, and even the occasional church bazaar.

The Thrift Store is Here Today and Gone Tomorrow, and is just a couple miles away.  And what treasures might those be ?

 Well, this time it was all about the sewing treasures.   There was a big box of sewing 'stuff', a few pieces of fabric, a couple patterns, tidbits (that I'm sure I will be talking about at a future date), and a pair of beads that will soon be downsized until a pair of earrings.

There was actually an entire bookshelf of fabric at the thrift at very good prices.   I selected just these 5 colorful, yet generic pieces.  I'm not sure why; I certainly don't need fabric.  Just had to have them I guess.

The main calling, was this box.   I hauled it, along with a cup of coffee, up to my room, cleared off a table to spread out on and started the sorting.    This is where treasures can be found and hints of the previous owner learned.   (Bet you never thought of a sewing box as a history lesson before).

Of course, there were sewing and embroidery threads.   Some of the spools were near empty; our seamstress was a frugal one.   At least half the spools are of the wood.     I took the time to empty those that were almost empty (not being much of a hand stitcher), and will put the empty wood spools with the other couple hundred in my collection.   Note to self ... decide what to do with all those wood spools!

 A small collection of belt buckles and two pair of cut-off sock ribs.   When I saw the first set - the red ones - I thought 'Oh cool, wrist warmers'.   But no, these are socks cut off right above the heel, where the ribbing starts.   I can see how they could easily be transformed to wrist warmers, but being here in the South where it doesn't stay cold long enough to bother, I don't think so.   The belt buckles will go to the buckle collection, the socks to the trash.

And then, there is a collection of lace packaged -- the Ben Franklin variety.  I don't know for what, but these are definite keepers.

With this one, the excitement mounted.   It's a little treasure parcel, about 3 x 3 inches, just like those shown in artsy magazines.  You know, when you gift something small, put it in interesting wrappings.    So, I carefully unwrapped the bundle.  And what did I find?   Nothing ... just old pieces of newspaper.  Looked like our original owner may have made some newspaper pattern pieces for shoulder pads and then put them to double duty by folding them up to hold leftover threads.   Frugal (and inventive) as well.    There is no date on the papers, but a couple of the pictures would imply early 1970s.

 Of course, there are a couple patches.   The Raggedy Anne's appear to be home appliques cut from fabric, and the others, except for the stars have been removed from other items.

 And a variety of buttons, hooks and clasps.

 And some miscellaneous stuff.   The black pieces are some type of clips.  I assume to hold fabrics in progress together.  They open about 1/2 inch wide and have inch markers (1 to 4) across the front.  

And yep, Zippers.   Not the pretty extra ones that never got out of the wrapper, but zippers removed from other garments.   Some you can see were carefully removed, others, tugged at a bit; two that are broken and two that are literally cut out of jeans (with the fly still intact).    This is my MOST FAVORITE find in the box.  and they will start showing up in something soon (I hope ... not just becoming another collection).

So, all in all, a great Thrift Store find.   Not only are there usable items here, there was a good hours worth of entertainment going through it.   Not bad of $3.95.    Now, of course, comes the hard part.   Putting all the little bits and pieces where they belong.  

Lorrie